Cataract is a condition where the natural clear lens starts becoming opaque and block the path of light which often interfere with the vision.
Another classical issue faced is a ring of light around every light-based object often due in various colors due to the diffraction of light. These Halos (as they are known) can be observed in car headlights and streetlights too. Sometimes the scattering of light can cause glare which is typically dangerous especially while driving at light.
There is a tendency to change the power of your glasses very frequently and vision might not get fully correct with any glass power that you may try. Cataract formation also leads to change in contrast and colours of objects which make the general perception of surroundings dull.
Any of the above symptom suggest that have cataract. The best part of this condition is that it is not life threatening and completely treatable by a minor painless surgery.
Myths: Cataract occurs only in aged people and younger people don’t have it.
Types of Cataracts:
Cataracts are of multiple types and have different impacts on your vision. not only impact the cause will also be different. The common cataracts are Nuclear, Cortical, Posterior subcapsular, congenital, traumatic, radiation etc.
For diagnosis the surgeon may use retinal Visual Acuity Test, Slit Lamp Examination and Retinal Exam to determine the type of Cataract.
The types of surgeries include Traditional Cataract Surgery (Larger incision with stitches), Manual Small-incision surgery, Micro incision Cataract Surgery or Robotic femtosecond laser surgery.
Newborns:
Some Newborn babies also have cataracts because the lens has not been formed the way they should have. This is known as a Congenital Cataract. Also, some cataracts develop due to infection/illness while the baby is in the womb or after birth, these are known as Developmental Cataracts, but it is important to diagnose it early and get it treated for long-term vision improvements. Your paediatrician should be able to help you with those conditions. A baby cannot explain the difficulty to their parents as they don’t know exactly what a corrected vision is but an examination by the doctor can tell you if there is a problem. by the time babies are 4 months old they should be able to look around the room and focus on certain objects. if you find your baby unable to do that than its time for an inspection.
About the surgery:
When blurry vision starts impacting your life, then is time to visit your ophthalmologist and he/she may recommend surgery. The surgery is a small procedure of about Ten minutes and is usually conducted with local/Topical anaesthesia that is by use of numbing eye drops.
During the surgery, the cataractous lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens which in addition to increasing the amount of light also can reduce your dependence on spectacles.
Prevention:
Since most common form of Cataract is and Age-Related Cataract, there is no way to prevent it by medications, glasses, exercise or yoga. Surgery is the only option to cure this condition which by modern technology has become completely safe and a walk-in walkout procedure with no hospital stay with added advantage of the chance of being complete glasses-free.
No studies have proven how to prevent cataracts or slow the progression of cataracts. But doctors think several strategies may be helpful, including:
Have regular eye examinations. Eye examinations can help detect cataracts and other eye problems at their earliest stages. Ask your doctor how often you should have an eye examination.
Quit smoking. Ask your doctor for suggestions about how to stop smoking. Medications, counselling and other strategies are available to help you.
Manage other health problems. Follow your treatment plan if you have diabetes or other medical conditions that can increase your risk of cataracts.
Choose a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables. Adding a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables to your diet ensures that you’re getting many vitamins and nutrients. Fruits and vegetables have many antioxidants, which help maintain the health of your eyes.
Studies haven’t proved that antioxidants in pill form can prevent cataracts. But a large population study recently showed that a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals was associated with a reduced risk of developing cataracts. Fruits and vegetables have many proven health benefits and are a safe way to increase the amount of minerals and vitamins in your diet.
Wear sunglasses. Ultraviolet light from the sun may contribute to the development of cataracts. Wear sunglasses that block ultraviolet B (UVB) rays when you’re outdoors.
Reduce alcohol use. Excessive alcohol use can increase the risk of cataracts.
Why Anand Eye Centre?
We have expertise in every type of eye surgery and treatments and offer absolutely cashless treatments if your Mediclaim policy supports it. We get patients from all over India and from several countries for the purpose of affordable surgeries with world-class facilities.